Laura, Claudia’s sister, is turning 30 in two weeks. Mariano had the idea to create invitations using a photograph and asked me to handle that. I was available after 7pm, long after the sun had set. Neither of us had any idea what to shoot and, over the screeching of a lonely cockatoo, I came up with the idea of using the pool as a backdrop. The sun had already set so I had my work cut out for me. After several different angles, I finally got the water to do what I wanted. I also came up with something relevant to Laura’s upcoming birthday…note her hands. Also, Laura is sitting on the diving board.
Two 320 Ws monolights used, one at camera left into a 47" octobox at 3/4 power, the other in the background at camera right illuminating the pool at full power. No Photoshop other than sensor dust and blemish removal and an exposure effect plug-in that I love. Otherwise, I try to get as much of the photograph in-camera as I possibly can at the time of the shoot.
I wish I had packed my other two light stands and had longer extension cords. Then I would have moved the background light directly behind Laura on the opposite side of the pool to more evenly light the pool and give Laura a rim. I should have also packed my stepping stool. At least I got the rubber duckie in the shot (had to move it into position with the pool strainer, net, thingie, pole).
If I had more time and gear (and had an assistant wearing swim trunks), I would have secured the rubber duckie with piano wire and lit it with a grid spot from the left. Also, with an assistant, I would have had a reflector on the subject’s right side to help lift the shadows. Oh, well.
Mental note: pack my other light stands, buy longer extension cords, a spool of piano wire, gaffer tape and some Bogen Super Clamps. And a Sekonic L-358 light meter would be nice. And a Vagabond 2 battery pack.
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